Troopers arrested Sgt. Ronald Thomas, 42, on Monday without incident, and he was booked into the Ouachita Parish Jail where he is being held, state police said. Thomas has been charged with payroll fraud, malfeasance in office, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine and obstruction of justice.

Officers also arrested Leonard Dunn, 38, of Monroe in connection with the investigation. Dunn was charged with three counts of distribution of marijuana and one count of distribution of hydrocodone. Investigators said Thomas conspired with Dunn to sell large quantities of cocaine in northeast Louisiana.

Col. Mike Edmonson, superintendent of State Police, disclosed details about the arrest after flying to Monroe on Tuesday afternoon to take possession of Thomas' badge, credentials and state-issued weapon. Thomas was suspended immediately at the time of his arrest pending the outcome of an administrative investigation.

Edmonson said Thomas had been assigned as the evidence custodian for northern Louisiana investigations operations prior to his arrest.

Edmonson said that several months ago, information was developed during the course of another probe that suggested Thomas was possibly involved in illegal activity. Troopers executed a search warrant on Thomas' property on Monday and found nearly $50,000 and a stolen weapon. Other items were also seized and are being processed.

“I want to emphasize that it was State Police troopers who learned of Thomas’ misconduct, it was troopers who aggressively pursued this high-priority investigation, and it was troopers who arrested the sergeant and booked him. We have no reluctance whatsoever identifying police misconduct and taking appropriate action, even if it happens to be one of our own officers,” Edmonson said.

“Thomas has dishonored his oath, his organization and more importantly the community he swore to protect. We will push for the strongest possible punishment."

Edmonson said Thomas had attempted to warn Dunn that he was being investigated and instructed Dunn to destroy evidence and dispose of money.

“Our work is not yet done," Edmonson said. "This investigation continues to evolve and other arrests are possible. While we have no reason to believe that any other troopers are involved, we will nevertheless go wherever the facts take us. We will be unrelenting in pursuing anyone else who might have been involved in the illegal activities."

If convicted on all charges, Thomas faces up to 92 years in prison and up to $76,000 in fines. Dunn could face a maximum of up to $65,000 and 40 years in prison.